Why do microbes reduce nitrate to N2 (denitrification)? Denitrification causes loss of N from soils to the atmosphere. How can it be minimized?

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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Why do microbes reduce nitrate to N2 (denitrification)? Denitrification causes loss of N from soils to the atmosphere. How can it be minimized?

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Nitrogen in its gaseous form (N2) can't be used by most living things. It has to be converted or 'fixed' to a more usable form through a process called fixation.

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